MC18 Rothmans

On this project, TYGA decided to use a 1988 MC18 as a basis to make a project as we have largely concentrated on the MC21 and MC28 up until now. Some MC18 owners were feeling a bit left out!

We don't have the usual before and after pictures because this bike was made from parts we found and gradually evolved until it was a running chassis.

We then gave it the TYGA Performance treatment

The obvious difference between this and a stock MC18 is the bodywork. The bike uses TYGA Performance Spark Upper and GP Lowers along with a TYGA Tail specific to the MC18 which can be fitted to the stock bike with very minor alterations

The headlight uses modern reflector technology and is very bright and up to date. it also has built in turn signals. The tail light is the same TYGA Tail light used on the MC21/28 TYGA Tail

To hold the upper in place, the MC18 uses the TYGA GP Upper Stay.

Paintwork was chosen and adapted by its new owner in the USA. The scheme is closely modelled on the stock MC18 Rothman's scheme of the time and interpreted to fit the TYGA bodywork. The result is a modern bodywork with classical colors.

The project bike didn't just get a cosmetic makeover though. The MC18 has a lot of potential in the performance department too. First off was the replacement of the rear 18 inch wheel with an MC21 17 inch item to allow for greater choice of rubber. To compensate for the difference in ride height, the triangular suspension linkages can be assembled to give an extra cm of ride height with slightly firmer suspension than stock.

Next off was a set of Formula 3 carbs that we had sitting around. While we were at it, we decided to run premix so we could get the full benefit of the carbs. We ran the stock air box, but did our usual modification on the lid to release a few more ponies there and make the most of the carbs and pipes. We also fitted carbon reeds for better response.

Of course, the bike was fitted with our new MC18 TYGA pipes which give much better power. They were a challenging design due to the straight swing arm. By curling the headers around inside the cowling we were able to get the length required to give optimum power but still give ground clearance in the popular GP configuration with two pipes exiting on the right.

The silencers are a new TYGA design with CNC machined end caps and lightweight aluminium end nozzle.

Finally, we discovered a way to derestrict the MC18 in the wiring harness. Information on how to do this will be revealed when you purchase the MC18 TYGA Pipes!

So what do you think? This project shows one way to modernize the MC18 and enhance the performance